Do you want your resume reader to have a desire to learn more about you? Do you want your resume’s reader to see that you’re something special, unique, extraordinary, a “must have on my team” player?

Most resume writers and recruiters will encourage you to leave no questions unanswered on your resume, so you look prepared. And most job seekers follow this advice. Sadly, it doesn’t work well.

I disagree with that old school advice. I guess it works if you want to look like all the applicants. But who can afford to be average, when you are competing with large numbers for just one job?

Today, you’ve gotta stand out. Be different.

Bait makes you different.

So what’s bait, and how can I get some? I’m not referring to nightcrawlers, minnows, Pillsbury dough, or anything else fish eat.

Bait is a statement that causes your reader to want to know more – and has to talk to you to find out more. A statement where you tell part of the story – the sizzle. But you’ve ‘forgotten’ to tell how you got the sizzle.

If you tell an employer that you solved their problem, but don't tell them how you did it ... don’t you think they’d want to talk to you, to hear how you slayed their personal dragon?

Want to sample some bait?

Bait: “Delivered client application packages 25% under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule, by adopting new management techniques”.